The world got its first taste of Fergenstein on Live. Love. A$AP., the purple-tinged, codeine-soaked 2011 debut mixtape from New York newcomer A$AP Rocky. The tape ushered in Rocky as a breath of fresh air in the hip-hop game and introduced A$AP as not just a young collective of adventurous New York MCs, but a full-blown trilled-out lifestyle brand. On the track “Kissin’ Pink,” A$AP Mob member Ferg infused the tape with one of its most standout moments, a cheeky, Dirty South-flavored, half sung verse that left us wanting more.

Born Darold Ferguson, 25-year-old A$AP Ferg hails from Harlem, where his father used to design and sell his own clothing line to a crew of luminaries like Puff Daddy and Biggie. A hustler and renaissance man in his own right, when the self-proclaimed Hood Pope says his debut album Trap Lord will “change your life,” he means it. While most MCs are hasty to put out a mixtape, Ferg and his crew are adamant about quality over quantity. Make no mistake; Trap Lord is a fully-formed powerhouse. He’s making a name for himself with heavy-hitting anthems like “Work” and “Shabba,” and is currently headlining a U.S. tour in support of this critically acclaimed debut.